Lake County Gazette

The Coal City Community Unit School District 1 Board of Education held its August meeting, approving several curriculum updates and personnel changes for the upcoming school year.

Jennifer Kenney, director of curriculum and instruction, announced six new high school courses: Senior PE Leadership, Motion and Graphic Design, Sports History, Women’s History, US History through Film, and Abnormal Psychology. Kenney acknowledged the work of the high school social studies department in developing these offerings. “The new courses have been well received by students, and we look forward to the future of these courses,” she said.

Luke Krippel, director of Student Services, reported that grants from the Illinois State Board of Education have been submitted. The Preschool for All, Title 1 and Title IV grants were approved for a total of $620,460. IDEA Preschool and IDEA Part B grants totaling $457,072 are awaiting approval.

The board also passed a series of revised district policies after final review. The contract with King Music was renewed for the 2025-2026 school year. Updates to the certified staff evaluation plan were approved as well as an agreement with Bilingual Therapies to provide American Sign Language interpreting services next year.

Job descriptions for EL Coordinator and Interventionist and Residency Verification were approved. The board accepted resignations from custodian Madalyn Barajas and special education aides Rachel Fearday and Kelly Schmitt.

Several employment actions were taken: Gabe Barla was hired as a permanent substitute at the early childhood center; Allen Davis as high school custodian; Jamie Hughes as early childhood center custodian; Jennifer Macak as district custodian; Emily Perry as one-on-one special education aide at the middle school; Deanna Price as one-on-one special education aide at the intermediate school; Stephanie Sarff as high school classroom aide.

Permanent substitutes Peggy Feeney (elementary/intermediate schools) and Michael Scott (middle/high schools) were reinstated. Paraprofessionals reinstated include Felicia Bohac, Kristina Lardi, Kathryn Long, Megan Blanton, Lauren Pratl, Tasha Nash, Calin Wolcott, Kloey Lind, Abigail Granger, Kara Olson, Lori Johnson, Jamie Bianchetta, Alicia Foote and Lorena Solecki at the early childhood center; Michelle Powers and Raquel Drinkwine at elementary; Beth Babcock, Jody Jackson, Keegan Clampitt, Tammy Shepherd and Gina Pens at middle school; Sara Helland and Sarah Rowader at high school.

Leave requests were granted to Becky Bajt (Jan. 5–April 9) and Kelly Steichen (Aug. 11–Sept. 19). The resignation of assistant track coach Mark Masters was accepted.

Athletic director Brad Boresi recommended Payton Hutchings be appointed assistant varsity girls basketball coach and Jackie Mark assistant varsity volleyball coach. Volunteer coaching positions in football went to Adam Rodriguez, Matt Long, Jack Dibble and Bob McMonagle; Colin Hart in soccer; Justin Hayse in girls tennis; Tim Gabehart in golf. Michelle Painter transferred from assistant varsity volleyball coach to freshman volleyball coach.

Kenney recommended teachers Betsy Cowherd, Mark Fiske, Aimee Wren, Sarah Veronda, Amy Siefken, Tricia Hall, Riane O’Donnell, Brad Schmitt, Jackie Mark, Mike Pfeifer, Sara Bohac, Andy Leve and Britt Harseim as mentors for 2025-2026.

Superintendent Chris Spencer reported on student teaching assignments: Natalie Pharo (Aurora University) will intern with Cealy DePersia at middle school; Alexis Smith (Lewis University) will intern with Kassie Marsala at high school; Moree Harney (University of Phoenix) will student teach with Nikki Boresi in fifth grade; Ashley Reszel (American College of Education) will student teach with Abby Wilkinson in first grade.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 3 with a study session on Aug. 27 at the Administration Center board room starting at 6 p.m.

Coal City Community Unit School District 1 serves Grundy and Will counties through several schools including Coal City Early Childhood Center and Coal City High School (source). According to state data (source), it employs over 150 teachers who earn an average salary above $69k per year—most are women—and maintains low teacher absenteeism rates. The district's student body is predominantly White but includes Hispanic students among other groups (source). In fiscal year 2020 it spent over $21k per student (source).